Know meaning and history of excommunication in Sikhism
Excommunication of Harinder Sikka, producer of controversial movie ‘Nanak Shah Fakir’ from the Sikh panth (religion) on Thursday has put the spotlight on the Akal Takht-stamped tradition of socially-ostracising a Sikh found violating the religious tenets or the Sikh clergy’s edict.
WHAT IS EXCOMMUNICATION?
Excommunication means expelling someone from the socio-religious order of the Sikhs as a larger community. The five head priests led by the Akal Takht jathedar pronounce such an order.
WHO IS EXCOMMUNICATED?
As per the tradition, only a Sikh is excommunicated for committing ‘bajar kuraihat’ (unpardonable offence) that covers four major offences — shaving off hair, keeping illicit relations, killing a daughter, and for demeaning Guru Granth Sahib or the ten gurus and keeping faith outside the religion. There are some minor offences that entail minor punishment (tankhah).
WHAT’S THE PROCEDURE?
Excommunication is a tradition prevalent since the days of Guru Gobind Singh. Sikh scholar Pirthipal Singh Kapur explains: “Those who accept a set doctrine set by the Gurus come under the ambit of Sikhism, are called Sikhs, and any Sikh who defies it is liable for punishment, which is pronounced by the Sikh clergy.” The delinquent Sikh is usually summoned at the Akal Takht for a hearing before the head priests’ pronounce their verdict. The Akal Takht jathedar works in consensus with other four head priests as the last arbiter on religious conduct. Their verdict is considered final and binding on the Panth.
IS EXCOMMUNICATION FOREVER?
No. The ex-communicated Sikh can submit himself to Akal Takht and seek pardon. The clergy pronounces ‘tankhah’ (religious punishment) which entails community services at a religious place for a few weeks. That done, the person is re-admitted into the Panth.